The RECI-FoBBIZ Skills & Lifelong Learning (SLL) Working Group invites you to an insightful talk about a core challenge in vocational education and training (VET): how to effectively facilitate access for young people and adults with limited schooling and low literacy levels. While long recognized in contexts with low literacy rates – where efforts have focused on combining literacy pathways with vocational training to improve employability – this issue is gaining renewed relevance in contemporary Switzerland.
The FDFA Strategy 2025–28 places increased emphasis on vocational education beyond basic schooling, making the integration of foundational and vocational skills both a practical concern and a strategic priority. This session seeks to make a compelling case for embedding basic literacy skills directly within VET systems.
Drawing on academic research and insights from three Swiss-funded programs in Africa – Enfants du Monde (Chad), Swisscontact (Niger), and Helvetas (Mozambique) – the session will present eight practical recommendations for project design. Following a short introduction and the presentation of these recommendations, participants will be invited to share their reflections. Afterward, attendees will receive a summary of key insights and resources for further exploration.
Target Audience
This event is open to the public and is designed for anyone working with learners who have low literacy skills. It will be particularly relevant for TVET professionals, actors promoting the educational continuum, and inclusion experts. Additionally, donors and project managers working in peacebuilding and conflict prevention will find valuable insights for integrating foundational skills into broader development strategies.
Speakers and Facilitators
Cecilia Bianchi (Speaker): Socio-cultural project manager with six years of experience managing literacy courses for adult migrants in Switzerland. Her presentation is based on her Master’s thesis in Management of Development at ITCILO.
Carol Switzer (Moderator): Convener of the Skills and Lifelong Learning (SLL) working group.